September 1, 2025

It was a day focused on hope and beauty as singers, instrumentalists and visual artists from around the diocese shared their talents at “The Look, Feel & Sound of Hope” art and music celebration on Aug. 24 at St. Bernard’s Church in Saranac Lake, of the Jubilee Year pilgrimage destinations in the diocese.

After a welcome from St. Bernard’s Pastor Father Martin E. Cline, Bishop Terry R. LaValley greeted the crowd to the Jubilee Year of Hope event.

“What a privilege it is for me to welcome each and every one of you to beautiful St. Bernard’s Church as we continue our jubilee pilgrimage with this fantastic celebration of art and music in store for us,” said Bishop LaValley.

“We are in for a real treat as we experience the look, the feel and the sound of hope compliments of so many talented artists who claim the North Country as home.” Bishop LaValley thanked those responsible for planning and hosting the event, including the planning committee, jubilee committee, Father Cline, the staff at St. Bernard’s and the artists before urging those assembled to “engage all our senses and enter this sacred moment, Christ led, Christ fed and so hope filled.”

The musical performance included a dozen pieces, some performed by a choir of 35 singers and others performed by soloists and small groups. Many of the pieces included instrumental accompaniment, including organ, piano, oboe, flute, French horn, tuba, trombone and trumpet.

Around 20 visual artists had works on display throughout the event.